Midlands Ireland

Offaly company Red Admiral DC to build 250MW Data Centre in Westmeath. Tullamore-based energy firm and Lumcloon Energy subsidiary Red Admiral DC is set to build Ireland's first energy-independent 250MW data centre in Westmeath. In December, Tullamore-based energy firm Red Admiral DC submitted a pre-application consultation to An Bord Pleanála for a 250MW Data Centre located close to Rochfortbridge, and near the border with North Offaly. The plans submitted to An Bord Pleanála are at the pre-application stage, with a decision yet to be made. The multi-billion euro project is being developed in partnership with South Korea’s SK ecoplant. The project has plans to generate and store its energy on-site, becoming Ireland’s first data centre facility to do so. In a statement, Red Admiral said: “The ambitious project integrates advanced decentralised energy resource technologies, enabling the facility to achieve independence while actively supporting the national electricity grid. Rather than relying heavily on the grid, it will generate, store, and manage its own energy on-site using a combination of technologies. This includes a 160 MW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell system for efficient and clean power generation, a 250MW BESS for stability and resilience, and a 130 MW solar photovoltaic array to harness renewable energy.” Nigel Reams, CEO at Red Admiral DC, said the project “represents a transformative step for Ireland’s energy and digital landscape.” Red Admiral DC says that the project will deliver “significant economic benefits to Westmeath and the wider Midlands region,” creating hundreds of jobs during the construction and generating long-term employment in data centre operations, energy management, and associated industries. The firm also says that the site of the proposed development next to the M6 “offers a prime position for the storage and processing of cloud and AI data without the need for extensive works.” “By situating the project in the midlands, Red Admiral DC is supporting balanced regional development, aligning with Ireland’s digitalisation and decarbonisation transition policies, alleviating infrastructural pressure on Dublin, and revitalising the local economy. Red Admiral DC is a subsidiary of the Lumcloon Group, the firm behind the soon-to-be completed €500 million Castlelost Flexible Generation energy project also located in Rochfortbridge, which includes a 65 MW battery storage facility and a 275 MW FlexGen power plant fuelled by natural gas that will provide backup to the national grid. https://lnkd.in/e7i7-m9B #euinmyregion #eujtf #midlandsadvantage #energy #power #nationalgrid #lumcloonenergy #westmeath Local Enterprise Office Westmeath Mullingar Chamber

A merger involving Athlone & Castlerea Credit Union Ltd is set to create one of Ireland’s largest Credit Union organisations, with assets of €440m and over 80,000 members. The organisation is set to merge with Galway’s St Jarlath's Credit Union Ltd in the latest consolidation move within the sector, as organisations across the country scale-up to take advantage of opportunities for increasing consumer and service demands. The deal will see positive benefits in the development of increased services in lending and saving for members, and in the development of additional services. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eKj7A7ZN #midlandsadvantage #creditunion #merger #financeindustry #banking #lending #euinmyregion #athlone #midlands

Mullingar’s Annebrook House Hotel has been given the green light for a significant expansion. Plans will see town-centre hotel develop an additional 60 bedrooms, new bistro restaurant, breakfast room and an extended hotel bar. The development will also see the hotel gain a new facade onto Pearce Street for an enhancement of the streetscape in the centre of the town, including a new entrance to the hotel. The existing 4* hotel opened in 2007, and centres on a restored Georgian House overlooking the park in the heart of Mullingar. The move will further enhance the tourism offering for the town, which in recent years has gained #PurpleFlag status for initiatives in the evening and night time economy. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eYY_4Zna #midlandsadvantage #midlands #irelandshiddenheartlands #ireland #hospitality #hotels #development #investment #property #mullingar #euinmyregion #irishhotels #ireland Midlands Regional Enterprise Fáilte Ireland Local Enterprise Office Westmeath Mullingar Chamber

One of Ireland’s most well-known food brands, Granard-based Pat the Baker, is set to be acquired by London-based Mayfair Equity Partners LLP. Founded in Longford in 1953 by Pat Higgins, Pat the Baker has continued as a family-controlled business, expanding in recent years with the purchase of Wexford’s Irish Pride Bakeries in 2015. Both brands are regularly featured in Ireland’s Top 100 brands from industry publication Checkout Magazine. Mayfair Equity Partners already feature a consortium of bakeries in their portfolio, including Donegal’s Promise Gluten Free Bakery. The investment is focused on increasing production and developing manufacturing processes at the bakeries. Read more in Checkout: https://lnkd.in/e5QAcUDf #midlandsadvantage #tastethemidlands #investment #manufacturing #advancedmanufacturing #bakeries #foodindustry #foodmanufacturing #euinmyregion #patthebaker #longford #midlands Midlands Regional Enterprise Local Enterprise Office Longford Enterprise Ireland Bord Bia - The Irish Food Board

A strong showing for the Midlands in the latest Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey with all of the principal towns in the region achieving ratings ‘Clean to European Norms’ or higher. Tullamore performed most strongly, with a Top 10 finish, and a rating of ‘Cleaner than European Norms’ in a excellent result for the town, with 8 of the 10 sites surveyed achieving the top rating. It was followed by Mullingar, Portlaoise, Longford and Athlone which were all rated as ‘Clean to European Norms’ in a strong year for the Midlands. The results are testament to the hard of work of councils, businesses, community groups, residents and volunteers across our towns. Established in 1996 by businessman Dr Tom Cavanagh, Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) is an alliance of companies sharing a belief that continued economic prosperity – notably in the areas of tourism, food and direct foreign investment – is contingent on a clean, litter-free environment. This year, the annual survey noted the impact of the Deposit Return Scheme, with reductions of -50% in plastic bottle and can litter in the towns surveyed. #midlandsadvantage #IBAL #tourism #commerce #destinationmarketing #midlands #euinmyregion #fdi #business #urbanplanning Midlands Regional Enterprise Laois County Council Longford County Council Offaly County Council Westmeath County Council Tullamore & District Chamber of Commerce Athlone Chamber of Commerce Laois Chamber Mullingar Chamber Longford Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Delighted for Midlands Ireland to have been named as finalists in the National Digital Awards 2025 from Digital Business Ireland, for a great start to the New Year. We’ve made the cut in the Digital Impact category, which celebrates initiatives that are making a meaningful social or economic impact, so it’s a special one for the Midlands Ireland team. The Midlands Ireland project is about creating a digital roadmap for the region, a digital shop window showcasing the Midlands as a destination of choice to Invest, Work, Live, Visit and Study. As part of our work, we’re shining a light on businesses, community groups, supporting agencies, places, events and people across Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath, highlighting just what makes the Midlands so unique. Since launch, our social content has gained audience reach in the tens of millions, along with hundreds of thousands of website visitor sessions and social interactions. In that time, the Midlands region has been named a European Region of the Future for FDI Strategy, and won the .ie Digital Towns Award for the fantastic STEM education initiatives for our young people which are taking place all across the region. The digital impact of Midlands Ireland is a reflection of the real impact coming from the many people who call this region home, the work of those in our education institutions, our support agencies, our local government, our businesses, our communities and more… working together to create one of Ireland’s fastest-growing and most vibrant regions, a place where everything connects. The finals take place in March at Twenty Two Dublin, we wish to very best to all the finalists, especially those in our category which include Fáilte Ireland, Oxfam Ireland, the Shine Festival, and another Midlands finalist, TAPiTAG. #midlandsadvantage #euinmyregion #nationaldigitalawards #digitalawards #digitalimpact #destinationmarketing #midlands #digital The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Just Transition project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027. The project is a joint cooperation of Laois County Council (lead partner), Longford County Council, Offaly County Council and Westmeath County Council.

The Midlands Food and Drink Network will be hosting a series of Networking Events across Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath this January. The events are open to food and drink producers, and chefs across the four counties. Learn more about the Midlands Food and Drink Network and discover new opportunities to grow your business in a relaxed and friendly setting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is open to all. Offaly  - Tuesday, 14th January 2025 - 10am to 12pm  - Woodfield Café & Garden Centre, Woodfield, Birr, Co. Offaly, R42 D278 Longford  - Wednesday, 15th January 2025 - 10am to 12pm  - CO:WORX, Main St, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford, N39 AH64 Westmeath  - Tuesday 28th January 2025 - 10am to 12pm  - Tuar Ard Arts Centre, Church St., Moate, Co. Westmeath, N37 X8P6 Laois  - Wednesday, 29th January 2025 - 10am to 12pm  - BloomHQ, Brigidine Convent, Patrick St., Mountrath, Co. Laois, R32 DT9F For more information and to register, contact Bernie Everard, Midlands Food and Drink Network Manager The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Just Transition project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027 #midlandsadvantage #tastethemidlands #midlandsadvantage #euinmyregion #foodnetwork #foodindustry #foodtourism #irishfood #drinksindustry #foodanddrink #networks #support #collaboration Local Enterprise Office Laois Local Enterprise Office Longford Local Enterprise Office Offaly Local Enterprise Office Westmeath Laois Chamber Mullingar Chamber Tullamore & District Chamber of Commerce Longford Chamber of Commerce & Industry Athlone Chamber of Commerce Fáilte Ireland Enterprise Ireland Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly Pobal Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone Campus Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB)

Wtech Fire Group acquires with Safety Tech Fire Westmeath company, Wtech Fire Group (WTech), has announced the completion of its 10th deal in three years with the acquisition of Safety Tech Fire. Cork-based Safety Tech Fire specialises in the supply, installation, commissioning, servicing, and repair of fire safety systems. WTech has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, and Safety Tech Fire is the latest company to join the expanding group of fire protection, detection, and maintenance specialists. WTech is a leader in the design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of water-based and gaseous fire protection systems and is now one of Europe’s largest fire protection groups, with an annual turnover of €136 million. Employing more than 600 people, WTech headquarters in Mullingar, where its modular systems are designed using 3D BIM technology and fabricated to clients’ specific requirements in an off-site manufacturing facility. Ted Wright, CEO of Wtech Fire Group, said: “Safety Tech Fire is a great business supported by a team of excellent people. This deal represents the continued realisation of our strategy to grow our business and strengthen our position as a leader in fire safety. “We are excited about the future prospects for our growing group and look forward to working with Patrick and the team to build on their successes to date. The addition of Safety Tech Fire perfectly aligns with and strengthens this mission.” Safety Tech Fire managing director Patrick O Donovan said he and his colleagues are delighted to embark on a new chapter with WTech Fire Group, “a trusted and strategic partner for our businesses." WTech’s string of acquisitions has included Ideal Fire a fire safety firm based in Dublin, and WILEC Fire & Security in Co Wicklow. The firm also acquired UK-based JEM Fire Pumps, Swedish fire protection business Ce Sprinkler AB, which was bought for €10m, and UK-based Compco Fire Systems Limited, bought for €25m. #euinyregion #eujtf #midlandsadvantage #wtechfiregroup Local Enterprise Office Westmeath Mullingar Chamber Westmeath County Council

Mullingar-based circular technology company, Soltec (Ireland) Ltd, have invested €1.5m in their waste management business. The company works with clients in the pharmaceutical and printing sectors to manage their water-based waste. Their technology solutions recycle the core ingredients from chemical by-products, recovering and repurposing them for future use and turning the remainder into fuels. Established in 1994 by Michael Corcoran, the business now employs 31 people, and began when the founder noticed that chemicals and waste products from car parts were not being disposed of correctly. Investing in small distillation machine, he recovered the chemicals from the liquids and began to sell them again for reuse. The distillation of waste solvents remains one of the main elements to the business. The company has been working with Enterprise Ireland for over a decade, and this year were overall winners of the Pakman Awards, which recognise excellence in recycling and waste management. The investment is part of a continued strategy to invest in new technologies and innovations to boost capacity and create new treatment processes. Read the profile below from the Business Post, image Barry Cronin. https://lnkd.in/eFqHJt5b #midlandsadvantage #soltec #circulareconomy #wastemanagement #chemicals #pharma #printing #waste #circularity #innovation #recycling #solvents #euinmyregion #investment #enterprise #makingitwork Midlands Regional Enterprise Local Enterprise Office Westmeath Mullingar Chamber CIRCULÉIRE Irish Manufacturing Research Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board Technological University of the Shannon atim cluster The CUBE The Cube -National Centre for Low Carbon Engenuity Midlands Engineering Network

New Walking & Cycling Trails for the Midlands. A network of connected walking and cycling trails is being created across the Midlands region. The recreational shared cycle and walkways through Bord na Móna lands are being funded by an EU Just Transition Fund. EU Just Transition funding supports the transition of the Midlands to a carbon-neutral destination. The fund is designed to support projects that have significant regenerative impacts on local communities and peatlands. Bord na Móna has recently called a permanent end to peat harvesting as it moves to become a climate solutions business focused on renewable energy, peatland rehabilitation, and recycling. Here are some of the funded projects across the midlands. Trail Development Scheme As a beneficiary of the Trail Development element of the Scheme, Bord na Móna has been awarded €3.6 million towards the creation of up to 79 km of new walking and cycling trails across suitable parts of the Bord na Móna landbank in the following areas: Longford, between Lanesborough and Cloondara, Roscommon, between Termonbarry and Roosky, Westmeath, between Athlone and Ballinahown, Offaly East—between Grand Canal Greenway and Mount Lucas Offaly West—around Clonmacnoise, Ballinahown and Lough Boora Tipperary: between Littleton/Lough Doire Bhuile Read more https://lnkd.in/e--NcWKJ #euinmyregion #eujusttransition #midlandsadvantage #peatlands #regenerativefarming Community Wetlands Forum Longford Tourism Office Longford County Council Offaly County Council Westmeath County Council